COMING INTO ITS OWN
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the 190SL (1955-1963), an elegant and sporty two-seat GT long overshadowed by the very different 300SL. Enthusiasts have come to recognize the 190SL as a stylish and drivable classic in its own right.
Article Richard Simonds
Images Daimler Archives
Once again, the marketing genius of Max Hoffman encouraged Daimler-Benz Board of Management to create a smaller, less expensive sports touring car to accompany the 300SL Coupe (Gullwing) into the burgeoning U.S. market for imported cars. In barely five months, engineers designed and built a prototype to display at the New York International Auto Show February 6, 1954. The 190SL used many styling cues from the 300SL to associate the new car with its much more expensive and powerful stable mate. This no doubt helped the 190SL far outsell the 300SL, but it also established a legacy in which the 190SL was compared – unfavorably – with the iconic 300SL. When we look at the 190SL for what it was designed to be, it succeeds in every measure: enduring styling, exceptional engineering, spirited handling (as a sport touring car, not a racetrack competitor), and exceptional comfort on long-distance drives. A recent benefit is the accelerating appreciation in 190SL’s value for those who have owned one for many years.
Reasons to buy a 190SL
Engineering quality: The engine, transmission, suspension, instruments, and mechanical components of the 190SL are based upon the W121 series of sedans. This means a high-quality, durable drivetrain and parts readily available from Mercedes-Benz Classic Center as well as after-market suppliers.
Drivability: An excellent touring car with compliant suspension, good handling, excellent cushioned seats with good support and better-than-usual brakes for the time.
Styling: As requested by Max Hoffman, the 190SL shares major design cues with the 300SL. The Milestone Car Society has recognized the 190SL as a timeless classic design.
Hardtop/soft top: The hardtop provides coupe-like comfort and quiet driving while the soft top is well sealed and insulated, making it a good touring car with the soft top up and easy access to top-down driving in good weather.
Reasons not to buy a 190SL
Rust is the first concern with cars made before the 1970s. Floor pan, fenders, headlamp boxes, doorsills, and engine and suspension subframe mount are vulnerable areas.
Poor body repairs are expensive to fix. When the 190SLs were just “old cars” and barely worth $2,000, owners would not spend substantially more than that to have repairs done correctly; finding poor workmanship is common.
Missing parts or incorrect substitutions for parts are typical on older cars and can be expensive to correct. Although drivetrain parts are generally available, body, trim and interior parts are much more difficult to find and expensive to buy when they can be found. Be wary.
Undercoating was not applied on 190SLs from the factory. If you find a car that is undercoated, be certain it is not hiding body rust in all the vulnerable areas.
Solex carburetors undergo elliptical wear, causing air leaks around the throttle. They are prone to warping, causing air leaks and making tune-up for correct idling and smooth running at highway speeds impossible. Weber or Mikuni carburetors are sometimes substituted for Solex, but that makes them unoriginal. Rebuilt Solex carburetors, correctly installed and adjusted, are considered the best choice.
Checkpoints
Rust in vulnerable areas, such as stone guards on front edge of rear fenders. Remove stone guards and look for pinholes.
Undercoating might be hiding rust damage under the car.
Welding seams inside the front inner fenders that were not performed with factory precision indicates poor quality repair of the nose clip.
Frame-rail rust is one of the most costly restoration areas to repair and, if found, compromises the safety of the car.
Verify matching body numbers on the engine, transmission and rear axle – also often written in grease pencil on body panels, interior trim pieces, etc. They should agree with the build sheet to verify the car’s originality.
With the car running, check for low oil pressure, black, blue or white smoke from the exhaust, and look for oil and water leaks around the engine. Conduct compression and leak-down tests of the engine to check piston rings and valve guides/seals. Look for black/dirty oil or oil with white foam, a sign coolant is mixing with oil. Check that the brake booster is not leaking brake fluid into the engine through the vacuum cylinder. In other words, “Due diligence pays off by minimizing surprises when you get your purchase home.”
Buying tips
Values have appreciated substantially in the past several years and there is a risk that less-than-desirable cars will be refreshed cosmetically and sold to unsuspecting buyers who do not know how to inspect a car utilizing the due-diligence rule. Be certain you don’t get a pretty mess.
Benefit from your contacts at the MBCA and work with someone who is knowledgeable about 190SLs to help you assess the condition of a car you are considering.
For even more specific assistance, consider joining the International 190SL Group and get copies of Bruce Adams’s three books on the 190SL, two of which cover restoration of the 190SL (see Resources at the end of this Buyers Guide).
Although based on the W121 sedan chassis, the 190SL was mostly hand assembled and body panels and trim pieces were hand cut to fit precise measurements and panel gaps. Thus it is important that the car you buy be totally complete – especially body and trim parts. Otherwise, you’ll be working with – and paying – a restorer to fabricate parts.
Fitted luggage, especially if original, is a valuable addition to any purchase. However, if a set of factory luggage is offered for sale separately, determine whether you are getting actual original cases or reproduction pieces.
Finally
With fine engineering, excellent handling and lively performance all wrapped up in a stylish and elegantly hand-assembled body, it is little wonder that more and more classic-car enthusiasts are quickly coming to appreciate the refined and sporty nature of the luxurious little two-seater 190SL.
The 190SL was not conceived as an exotic sports car, but rather as a luxurious two-seat GT capable of being produced in much greater numbers than the hand-built 300SL. 
The little roadster’s body, designed by Karl Wilfert and Walter Hacker, shared major styling cues with the 300SL, which no doubt contributed to some of the confused comparisons between the two very different models, in addition to the fact that they were introduced together at the same show in New York. 
First offered to the public in spring 1955, the 190SL was available as a pure roadster with a canvas top, but no hardtop, and as a coupe with a removable hardtop, with the option of a canvas top. A small third-passenger traverse jump seat was also on the options list.
Cutaway drawing of the 190SL. Rather than using the complicated space frame required by the higher-performance 300SL, the 190SL chassis was based on a shortened version of the 180 Ponton. Note that provision for sufficient luggage space was part of the car’s original design brief. 
Two-tone: The190SL coupe made a bold statement with its removable hardtop in contrasting color. 
Hollywood embraced the new car: Grace Kelly and Frank Sinatra in a 190SL between takes of the film “High Society,” March 1956.
The design of the W121 centered on a fine cockpit. 
Contemporary advertising photo of the 190SL on the German holiday island of Sylt. The 190SL quickly made its mark as an elegant, reliable and affordable dream car.
Resources
International 190SL Group
The International 190SL Group (www.190slgroup.com) is a group of Mercedes-Benz 190SL owners focused on the model’s preservation and restoration. Founded in 1983 by Ron Rapp, the group now has more than 700 members. Its bi-monthly newsletter, annual convention and several automotive events keep 190SL owners abreast of the latest information and create a community that shares knowledge with others. The club has published two books on restoration, listed below, written by Bruce Adams, created a technical manual, produced several videos on the restoration processes and developed specialized items for the model, available for sale from the club store at the group’s website.
Reference Shelf
Adams, Bruce L. W121 Coupe and Roadster: A 190SL Touring Sports Car, 2011: ISBN 978-0-615-44458-1.
Adams, Bruce L. Mercedes-Benz 190SL, 1955-1963: Restoration and Ownership, Volume I, 2003: ISBN 0-9729420-0-9.
Adams, Bruce L. Mercedes-Benz 190SL, 1955-1963: Restoration and Ownership, Volume II, 2007: ISBN 978-0-9729420-1-0.
Technical Specifications: 1955-1963 U.S. Market W121 190SL
Model Years 1955-1963
Engine 1.9L I-4 OHC
HP [SAE] 120
Torque [lb-ft] 114
Transmission 4-M
Rear Axle 3.7:1 3.9:1 4.1:1
0-62 mph 13.2–14.5 sec
Top Speed 106
MPG [US] 18.8-25
Chronology
1953 September Daimler-Benz approves Max Hoffman’s 190SL request
1954 February 190SL, 300SL at New York International Motor Sport Show
1955 April First 190SL released from Sindelfingen production line
July ATE T50 brake booster offered as option
October Transmission gear ratios changed
December Eyebrows (strips over wheel arches) now roadster option
1956 January Four-point engine suspension replaces three-point
February Coupe hardtop changes to sheet steel from aluminum
April Coupe folding seats replace bucket seats in roadster
ATE T50 brake booster now standard equipment
June Larger taillights (as used in 220A/220S) installed
1957 July License plate lights move from body to bumper guards
1958 May Leather sun visors replace plexiglass sun visors
July Steering lock/ignition switch now standard
1959 October Hardtop now with larger rear window
1960 August Trunk handle and lock separated into two components
1961 January Fuel tank ventilated; fuel cap no longer ventilated
August M121.928 engine introduced
1963 February W121 190SL and sedans production ends
Production
Year Total Made To U.S.
1955 1,727 830
1956 4,032 1,849
1957 3,332 1,806
1958 2,722 628
1959 3,949 1,650
1960 3,977 1,264
1961 3,792 1,509
1962 2,246 772
1963 104 54
Value Guide: Hagerty Price Guide April 2015
Model Years Low Medium High
190SL 1955-1956 $60,000 $138,000 $207,000
190SL 1957 $62,000 $141,000 $210,000
190SL 1958-1963 $66,000 $152,000 $218,000